Assistive Technology for All Learners
Renton Technical College, through a special demonstration grant from the
Department of Education-Office of Post Secondary Education, is providing a
variety of assistive technology to help students be more successful learners.
The following are some of the assistive technology located in the TRC Open
Lab and Library for your use:
 Dragon Naturally Speaking - software which allows
you to speak into the computer rather than typing. This software requires
training the computer to understand your voice. As you train it over time,
it learns your vocabulary! If you hate to type but need to prepare papers,
email, etc., this tool is for you!
 Zoom
Text -enlarges text and graphics. Provides magnification of up to
16x with a variety of view and contrast settings. This can help anyone who may
have trouble seeing smaller graphics or print. It can be used with any of your
other applications.
 Wynn
Wizard/Wynn Reader- scans (digitizes) materials into the computer
with an optical character reader so that it can be represented in multiple
formats. You are able to scan in pages from text books or handouts and have the
information read to you or you can look up words on the dictionary, highlight
main topics, create sub-lists, add in other notes, and more. This is a great
tool to use if you have to learn information or study from written materials.
TestTalker - is a software solution designed to help individuals be more successful with test taking, worksheet completion, and study materials. It also aids completion of electronic forms. TestTalker provides a computerized version of a test, worksheet, or other form that can talk.
 Inspiration
- software which allows the student to represent ideas in graphic
format and convert easily to text. This software improves visual learning and
provides support for critical thinking, comprehension, planning and organizing.
If you like to organize your study notes or write with charts and pictures,
this is the tool for you.
 TextHelp
Read and Write -gives the student assistance with word prediction,
grammar and vocabulary support. As you type, Read and Write predicts words for
the sentence even if you don't know how to spell them . This tool is great for
proof reading. It also reads aloud to you, which is great for students who want
to improve their English skills.
 Homepage
Reader --helps the student hear as well as see when exploring the
World Wide Web . Homepage Reader assists in web page reading, changing font
size, color and background of pages.
There are tutorials, mini-manuals and CD's available to help you learn how to
use these programs. More information on AT can be found through
the Instructional Improvement Website’s UDL grant section at
http://webs.rtc.edu/ii/dsdp.html.
In addition, there are standing/sitting work stations,
magnifiers, specialized keyboards, mouse and other assistive devices
available through the Special Needs Population Counselor.
If you would like more information or help, contact Cathy
Jenner in Instructional Improvement at
425-235-2352 x5639 or email cjenner@rtc.edu
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